Trimming RTI Act

This refers to the article ‘What remains of RTI is a pale shadow of its original self’ (Feb 16). After reading the article, one wonders whether the current government wants the RTI Act at all. Do they feel it is a nuisance? Is it interfering with their governance? The Economic Survey deals with matters and policies linked to economic activities. With the report mentioning the difficulties faced by the government due to the RTI Act, one wonders whether the current government has a hidden agenda regarding the Act.

Ravindra Bhagwat, Mumbai

AI Summit

The successful launch of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi showcases our nation’s rising global leadership in artificial intelligence innovation and governance. PM Modi’s inauguration highlights youth-driven progress and sovereign AI vision. This mega event positions India as a hub for ethical technology advancement benefiting humanity worldwide. The massive turnout and global participation at the AI Impact Summit underscore India’s readiness for technological transformation. 

T.S. Karthik, Chennai

India’s dominance

India’s 61-run win over Pakistan, thanks to Ishan Kishan’s explosive knock of 77 runs in the current ICC T20 World Cup, was nothing but a familiar script. This time it was louder, too bold, and ruthless. For Pakistan, the defeat raises uncomfortable questions about adaptability under pressure. For India, however, the match reaffirmed the depth of their batting arsenal and the emergence of players unafraid of the grandest stage. India-Pakistan contests will always carry extraordinary pressure. The side that manages emotion better will prevail. 

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Need for change

Amid the attention on the BNP’s victory in Bangladesh’s general elections, little notice was taken of a parallel public endorsement for political, administrative, and judicial reforms. The August 2024 unrest over the government job quota system not only unseated the Sheikh Hasina government but also led citizens to conclude that changing rulers would not suffice; the system itself needed change. The agitation thus evolved into a broader reform movement. The moment is significant as it signals the growing importance of continuous public accountability in South Asian governments.

Tushar A. Rahatgaonkar, Mumbai

Double standards

A slab from the under-construction metro line-4 collapsed on the LBS Road, leaving 1 dead and 3 injured. The Maharashtra govt announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia. More than 45 days have passed since the Dec 29, 2025, Bhandup BEST bus accident where four lives were lost. The BEST offered Rs 2 lakh compensation, but the victims’ families rejected it outright—calling it nothing more than token aid. They have demanded real support, like permanent jobs for families who lost their sole breadwinners and long-term rehabilitation. Why this double standard? 

Biju Cherian, Mumbai

TN elections

The approaching TN assembly election is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the state. Ahead of the elections, both the ruling DMK and the principal opposition, AIADMK, are facing pressure from their respective allies for a share in the government, though both have publicly rejected the idea of coalition governance. Based on recent reports and political developments, the DMK-led alliance in TN is tipped to be a strong contender to retain power, largely due to the implementation of a wide range of welfare schemes.

R. Sivakumar, Chennai

Rein in offenders

The death of a teenage boy after allegedly coming into contact with an exposed electricity distribution panel at Solapur, allegedly due to negligence on the part of the concerned personnel, was very unfortunate. It is indeed a serious issue and needs to be tackled with a firm hand. Even in Mumbai one can find ill-maintained electric panels posing a threat to the lives of unsuspecting passersby. 

Melville X. D’Souza, Mumbai 

Speed thrills, but kills 

In India, the legal age for driving light motor vehicles (LMV) is 18 years. Yet one can see young, inexperienced and, more often than not, “immature” and “licenceless” boys and girls driving down the roads. A spate of major accidents in cities is attributed to rash and negligent driving by underage drivers. Addiction to reckless driving, unhindered access to vehicles, poor parental guidance and supervision are attributed to the surge in minors taking to wheels. Parents and police cannot play the blame game to suit their own ends. Both need to take stock of the situation before it spirals out of control.

Dr Ganapathi Bhat, Akola